The International Professional Surfers (IPS) organization was the original world governing body of professional surfing that existed between 1976 and 1982. The IPS brought together a loose affiliation of surf contests around the world by forming one world circuit.
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The IPS was formed by Fred Hemmings and Randy Rarick in October 1976. Whilst in Rarick's kitchen Peter Townend and Ian Cairns and Rarick talked Hemmings into switching from a prize money to points-per-placing ranking system. At the time 9 of the 14 events had been completed and were retrospectively ranked using the points-per-placing system. Peter Townend was the eventual first IPS World Champion.
A women's division was added in 1977 with Margo Oberg being the first IPS Women's World Champion.
Two important IPS developments were the introduction of the man-on-man format in 1977 and the addition of California to the tour schedule in 1981.
In 1982 the demise of the IPS commenced when criticism began to mount about the tour; it was perceived as not developing fast enough. In January 1983 Ian Cairns saw an opportunity, launched the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) and lured world circuit organizers to his organization. The IPS and Hemmings were effectively pushed aside and left to operate only his Hawaiian pro events. By December 1984 the IPS controlled Pipeline Masters gets an ASP sanction as a specialty event.